Taiwanese meteorologists posted on Facebook, warning of a sudden drop in temperatures and the possibility of snow on high mountains, urging people to stay warm to protect their health.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan issued a special report on low temperatures at 10:54 this morning. Areas under an orange alert include New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Keelung City, Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yilan County, Hualien County, Kinmen County, and Lienchiang County. Areas under a yellow alert include Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, and Taitung County.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan indicated that a cold front is moving southward today, causing temperatures to continue to drop across the island. From the 8th to the 10th of the month, the cold front will bring extremely cold weather to Taiwan. Starting from this evening, there is a chance of temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees or even 6 degrees in some areas north of Changhua, Yilan, Hualien, Kinmen, and Lienchiang (orange alert). People are advised to take precautions.
Associate Professor Wu Derong from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at National Central University in Taiwan pointed out in a column for the “Meteorological Application Promotion Foundation” that the latest European (ECMWF) model simulation shows that the cold front is rapidly moving southward. There may be brief showers in northern and eastern regions as well as in mountainous areas in the central region, with temperatures dropping sharply. The minimum temperature on the flatlands in northern Taiwan tonight has dropped to around 7 degrees, meeting the criteria for the third cold front since the beginning of winter (≤10 degrees at the Taipei station). It is important to stay warm to protect your health and prevent cold-related harm to agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
Wu Derong mentioned that today, central and southern Taiwan will experience partly cloudy to sunny skies, with temperatures gradually decreasing and the weather turning colder. The temperature ranges are expected to be around 15 to 7 degrees in the north, 9 to 19 degrees in the central region, 10 to 20 degrees in the south, and 9 to 19 degrees in the east. The latest European model simulation indicates that from the 8th to the 10th of the month, there will be a cold front hovering over Taiwan, causing the minimum temperatures on the flatlands to drop to around 5 degrees. Residents are advised to stay warm and be cautious of cold-related harm. There is a probability of brief showers in Greater Taipei, eastern regions, and mountainous areas north of the central region on the 8th. From the 9th to the 10th in the morning, the moisture will decrease, leading to drier and colder conditions. The western region will remain clear and stable, with occasional light showers in the eastern region.
According to Wu Derong, the latest European model simulation shows that there is a possibility of snowfall on mountains above 3,000 meters (such as Hehuan…). From tonight until the 8th, areas around 2,000 meters (like Taipingshan, Lala…) and above (Hehuan…) have a chance of snowfall, while areas around 1,000 meters in the north (e.g. Datun, Qixingshan) are at the threshold conditions for snowfall (below zero degrees with moisture), with possibilities of snowfall, sleet, or graupel. Close observation is recommended.
He added that the latest European model indicates that from the 10th to the 12th, the weather will gradually warm up, with clear and stable conditions on the 10th and 11th. There will be significant temperature differences between day and night, and on the 12th, moisture will increase in the southern region. A front is expected to pass through on the 13th, bringing rain and cooling temperatures. While the cold air is not strong, monitoring the model adjustments is advised.